DL Switch & Map Switch: On Hot Start (Ramp or Runway) always on

[kotor633]

Hi,

both switches are without functions in DCS. However, both switches are constantly set to On during a hot start. Is there any reason for that?

[Dragon1-1]

DL switch definitely does have a function in DCS, it turns datalink on. Now, the Map switch does not have a function (I don't think it ever did on US jets), but presumably, pilots flip it on startup along with all the other switches on that panel to avoid having to think too hard about it.

[RyanR]

2 hours ago, Dragon1-1 said:

DL switch definitely does have a function in DCS, it turns datalink on. Now, the Map switch does not have a function (I don't think it ever did on US jets), but presumably, pilots flip it on startup along with all the other switches on that panel to avoid having to think too hard about it.

I thought the DL switch was indeed doing something despite the manual saying otherwise.

-Ryan

[Raptor9]

The DL switch powers an older datalink system that is not simulated in DCS F-16C, therefore it is not functional, in accordance with the DCS Early Access Guide. The TNDL datalink, which is simulated in DCS, is enabled using the MIDS LVT knob on the same panel, and managed through the DED.

[kotor633]

I'm talking about the two switches marked yellow (see screenshot):

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[Dragon1-1]

5 hours ago, Raptor9 said:

The DL switch powers an older datalink system that is not simulated in DCS F-16C, therefore it is not functional, in accordance with the DCS Early Access Guide. 

Right, it's been a while before I read that part. Isn't DL switch used for the IDM datalink? We don't have it in DCS yet, but we are eventually supposed to, according to the last time I asked.

[skywalker22]

Button 5 and 7 can be turned off, they are not in use in this type of aircraft.

But its a good point to devs, why are both turned on in hot-start? They could be simply turned off by default.

[RyanR]

Wouldn't it be SOP for a real-life Viper driver to switch them all on? Maybe they just got out of a different production block?

-Ryan

[Starfire13]

On 5/6/2024 at 6:26 PM, skywalker22 said:

Button 5 and 7 can be turned off, they are not in use in this type of aircraft.

But its a good point to devs, why are both turned on in hot-start? They could be simply turned off by default.

If I had to do this in real life, I would turn them all on because then I could tell at a glance that I did in fact have everything on instead of having to take a closer look to ensure I have turned the correct ones on and left the two deactivated switches off. Turning them all on minimises the chance of error.